The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan ended not only with a thrilling five-wicket victory for India but also in controversy and tension off the field. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha announced that the team would donate their match fees to civilians and children affected by India’s Operation Sindoor, a military retaliation following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Pakistan skipper’s declaration follows Suryakumar Yadav’s decision to contribute his entire match fee from the Asia Cup to support the nation’s armed forces and the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Dramatic night in Dubai

At the post-match ceremony, tensions escalated when the Indian team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board chief and Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister. India demanded the trophy be presented by Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, but Naqvi declined. After a 90-minute deadlock, the trophy and medals were quietly removed without formal presentation.

Salman Ali Agha criticised India’s actions as “disappointing” and disrespectful to the spirit of cricket. He revealed that Pakistan fulfilled their duties by posing for the trophy photo and accepting medals, but the Indian players ignored Naqvi and refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts throughout the tournament. Agha suggested that Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was courteous in private but followed team instructions publicly to avoid contact.

The controversy drew boos from Indian fans when Agha dramatically threw away his runners-up cheque, underscoring the emotional strain. Despite India’s on-field triumph, the post-match events highlighted how political tensions have deeply affected the cricket rivalry.

 Agha also expressed concern over the negative example set for fans and children,  seemingly urging an end to the politicisation of sport. Meanwhile, India celebrated without the trophy — a surreal finale to the latest edition of the Asia Cup. (With inputs from Agencies)